When a big storm rolls through Central Indiana, the damage isn’t always obvious from the street. At Stay Dry Roofing we inspect roofs every day after wind, hail, and heavy rain. We reviewed the top local guides and industry checklists to build a clear, homeowner-friendly list of the 12 signs you should watch for after severe weather and what to do next. For background, we compared local storm-damage guides and practical checklists to make sure this advice is what Indy homeowners actually need.
Why check your roof after a storm?
Damage that looks minor now a missing shingle, a dented gutter, a few granules in the downspout can let water in and create expensive leaks, mold, and structural problems. Detecting these early keeps repair costs down and helps if you need to file an insurance claim. National roofing resources and local contractors agree: quick visual checks plus a professional inspection are the best first steps after severe weather.
The 12 signs (what to look for and what to do)
1) Missing or lifted shingles
What you’ll see: Bare gaps or shingles flapping in the wind, especially around ridges and edges.
Why it matters: Missing shingles expose the underlayment and roof deck to water. If you spot this, call for a temporary tarp if water’s getting in and schedule a professional inspection. Local post-storm guides list missing shingles as the most common visible sign of wind damage.
2) Granules in gutters or on the ground
What you’ll see: Sand-like grit collecting in gutters or downspouts, or black specks in your yard.
Why it matters: Asphalt shingles lose their protective granules when impacted by hail or age. Granule loss shortens shingle life and speeds up deterioration. If your gutters are full of granules after a storm, it’s time for an assessment.
3) Dented gutters, downspouts, vents, and metal flashing
What you’ll see: Small round dents on gutters, vent caps, HVAC covers, and metal flashing.
Why it matters: Hail doesn’t only hit shingles it dents soft metals. Dented guttering or flashing is a red flag that the roof may also have hail impacts that aren’t visible from the ground. Photograph the dents for insurance and call for a free inspection.
4) Bruised, cracked, or punctured shingles (hail “bruising”)
What you’ll see: Dark spots, small divots, or soft spots on shingles; pieces that break off under pressure.
Why it matters: Hail can bruise the asphalt mat under the granules the area looks darker and is weaker. Bruised shingles can fail suddenly in future storms. If you suspect hail damage, avoid walking on the roof and get a professional look.
5) Water stains, leaks, or bubbling paint on ceilings and walls
What you’ll see: Yellow/brown stains on ceilings, bulging paint, or active drips.
Why it matters: These are signs water has already found a path inside. Even small leaks can rot rafters or saturate insulation. If you find stains, document them, move furniture out of harm’s way, and contact us for emergency tarping or repairs. Early response prevents mold and bigger bills.
6) Sunlight through the attic
What you’ll see: Pinpricks of daylight when you inspect your attic on a sunny day.
Why it matters: If you can see light through the roof deck, rain has a clear path in. A quick attic check for daylight, damp insulation, or wet wood tells you if the roof deck was breached. Local Indianapolis inspection guides recommend attic checks for early leak indicators.
7) Wet or compacted attic insulation, musty smells, or visible mold
What you’ll see: Discolored insulation, a musty odor, or black/green mold near roof penetrations.
Why it matters: Trapped moisture leads to mold and structural rot. If your attic insulation is damp, call a pro drying and repair may need to happen before mold spreads.
8) Damaged or loose flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents
What you’ll see: Gaps, cracked sealant, or bent flashing where roofing meets chimneys or vents.
Why it matters: Flashing seals vulnerable junctions; when it fails, leaks follow. We inspect flashing detail by detail and document damage clearly for insurance claims.
9) Shingle curling, cracking, or cupping
What you’ll see: Shingles with curled edges, splits, or a cup-like shape.
Why it matters: These are signs of accelerated wear, often made worse by wind and hail. Curled shingles can catch wind and lift a small issue that soon becomes a big one.
10) Sagging roof deck or soft spots on the roof
What you’ll see: Areas that dip or feel spongy (seen or felt from inside the attic).
Why it matters: This suggests structural damage or prolonged water infiltration. A sagging section is a safety issue and needs immediate professional evaluation.
11) Tree, branch, or debris damage
What you’ll see: Broken branches, punctures, or scraped areas on shingles and siding after trees fall or hit the house.
Why it matters: Impact damage often creates points for leaks and can void warranties if not fixed properly. If a branch broke through or dented the roof, call us right away for safe removal and repairs.
12) Damaged siding, windows, or exterior fixtures that show impact
What you’ll see: Cracked siding, dented window frames, or broken screens after hail or wind.
Why it matters: Impacts on walls, windows, gutters, and vehicles indicate the storm was severe enough to likely harm the roof in similar ways. Check these secondary signs and document every damage point for your insurer.
What to do first (48-hour action plan)
- Stay safe. Don’t climb on a wet or wind-damaged roof.
- Document everything. Photo and video the damage from the ground and of any interior leaks.
- Protect belongings. Move anything under a leak and use buckets to catch drips.
- Call for a free inspection. We’ll document damage, provide temporary tarping if needed, and work with your insurer.
- Avoid DIY fixes that might make an insurer deny a claim. A professional inspection and documentation are valuable during the claim process. National roofing checklists recommend documenting conditions and avoiding risky DIY rooftop work.
Why choose Stay Dry Roofing after a storm?
We offer same-day or next-day free roof inspections, professional storm-damage documentation (photos and reports), and insurance-claim assistance to make the process easier. We’re a GAF Master Elite contractor with an A+ BBB rating, and we service Indianapolis and nearby communities with emergency tarping, hail repair, and full replacement options. If you suspect storm damage, don’t wait small problems grow fast in Indiana weather.
Final tips
- Photograph dents and granule loss right away insurers rely on evidence.
- Keep a storm folder with date-stamped photos, any repair estimates, and contractor reports.
- If you smell mold, see dark attic spots, or notice sagging, schedule a professional inspection immediately.
If a recent storm hit your neighborhood and you want a fast, professional check, call us at 317-308-7773 or request a free inspection online. We’ll help you understand the damage, protect your home, and, if needed, work directly with your insurance company to get it repaired right.